Nimshi: Father of Jehu
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Nimshi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He is primarily recognized as the grandfather of Jehu, who became the tenth king of Israel. The name "Nimshi" itself is of uncertain meaning, but it is often associated with the lineage and heritage of Jehu, a significant character in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

Nimshi is mentioned in several passages within the books of Kings, where his name is used to identify Jehu. The most direct reference to Nimshi is found in 1 Kings 19:16, where the prophet Elijah is instructed by God to anoint Jehu as king over Israel: "You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place" . This passage highlights the divine mandate given to Jehu, linking him to his grandfather Nimshi.

Further references to Nimshi appear in 2 Kings 9:2 and 9:14, where Jehu is again identified as the "son of Nimshi." In 2 Kings 9:2, the prophet Elisha sends a young prophet to anoint Jehu, saying, "When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him to rise from among his companions, and take him to an inner room" . This identification underscores the importance of Nimshi's lineage in the context of Jehu's rise to power.

Historical and Theological Context:

Nimshi's mention in the biblical text, though brief, serves a crucial role in establishing the legitimacy and divine approval of Jehu's kingship. Jehu's reign is marked by a significant religious and political upheaval, as he is known for eradicating the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal from Israel. This purging aligns with the prophetic and divine directives given to Jehu, as seen in the instructions to Elijah and Elisha.

From a theological perspective, Nimshi's inclusion in the narrative emphasizes the continuity of God's plan through specific familial lines. The anointing of Jehu, a descendant of Nimshi, signifies the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Ahab and the restoration of a more Yahweh-centric worship in Israel. Nimshi's role, though indirect, is integral to the unfolding of these events.

Genealogical Significance:

While Nimshi himself does not play an active role in the biblical accounts, his mention is crucial for understanding the genealogy and background of Jehu. The repeated reference to Jehu as the "son of Nimshi" serves to distinguish him from other potential claimants to the throne and to affirm his rightful place in the divine narrative orchestrated by God through His prophets.

In summary, Nimshi's legacy is preserved through his grandson Jehu, whose actions and reforms had a lasting impact on the religious landscape of Israel. The biblical account of Nimshi, though limited in detail, provides essential context for the understanding of Jehu's divinely sanctioned kingship and the broader narrative of Israel's history.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 9:2,20
And when you come thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brothers, and carry him to an inner chamber;
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
5250. Nimshi -- grandfather of Jehu
... Nimshi. Probably from mashah; extricated; Nimshi, the (grand-)father of Jehu --
Nimshi. see HEBREW mashah. 5249, 5250. Nimshi. 5251 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5250.htm - 6k
Library

How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ...
... in Ramorb, and Jehu, the son of Nimshi, for their ... and had proved a wicked man, and
worse than his father. 4. Now when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel adorned ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how jehu was.htm

God's Low Whisper
... to rule over Aram, Jehu, the son of Nimshi, to rule ... and every one who escapes the
sword of Jehu, Elisha shall ... Elijah and said, "Let me kiss my father and my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gods low whisper.htm

Ahaziah
... when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom
the ... men get on talking about who was the cousin, father, grandfather, great ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ahaziah.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he ... out two horsemen, one after another,
to Jehu, and at ... his disposition not at all like to his father," seems a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... home, and to ordain Jehu, the son of Nimshi, to be ... some should be slain by Hazael,
and others by Jehu. ... of his own, which he had by inheritance from his father. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... A few weeks had sufficed for him to complete, on this side, the work bequeathed
to him by his father, and to open up the neighbourhood of the northeast ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to the crime of its chief in his seduction of Bilhah, his father's concubine (Genesis
49 ... early kings, and retained them only till about the reign of Jehu, as we ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Resources
Who was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Nimshi

Nimshi: Father of Jehu

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